i am in need of a scope for my 77/22mag, these are what i am considering
bushnell elite 3200 fast focus 3-9X40- $180.00 (lifetime warrenty)
simmons aetec 2.8-10X40 - $140 (lifetime warrenty)
nikon buckmaster 3-9X40 - $175 (lifetime warrenty)
redfield tracker 3-9X40 - $140 (warrenty ?????)

how do these size up against eachother?

ok, lets be realistic, my rifle set me back $350 and i know everyone likes the leupold vari-X II ($265), is it worth the extra 100 dollars to get it? I am in college and do not have the money, but if it is imperative that the vari-x be my choice i may have to buy it, but only as a last resort. and what is leupold warrenty on their scopes?

Of the ones you listed I would chose the Elite 3200. The optics are better than the others you have mentioned . The Aetec is very good optically; however, they are not known to be a very durable scope.

The Elite 3200 is in the same class as the newer VX II and is better than the older Vari X II.

If you are on a limited budget, the Elite 3200 would be a very good choice.

Bushnell Elite 3200 will work fine and has a lifetime " transferable" warranty.The rainguard is quite a nice feature, and works great on rain,fogging,and frost(I' ve tried it out and it works just like they say).The titanium alloy tube is stronger,the optics will be clear and bright,and I think it is a better scope overall than any of the other three choices mentioned.Stay away from the Redfield right now as its hard to even keep up with who owns them (Meade Instruments)much less warranty and features(they are Redfield in name only now and bear little similarity to the original Redfield scopes).Word is that Meade may drop one of their three scope lines and it won' t be Weaver(the best most popular of the three) or Simmons( the low price volume sellers) so that leaves Redfield looking kinda' vulnerable at this point.

woods

I have both a Leupold VXII and an Elite 3200, optically the brightness is just about equal, the eye relief goes to the Leupold but the Rainguard and the price is the deciding factor on my next scope purchase. You say this is going on a 22 Mag, some people here will look at me funny but I would suggest being on a tight budget you look at Bushnell' s Banner or Trophy line. I have had a 4x12x40 AO Banner on my 257 Roberts for a year now and before that it was on a 30-06 for two years, never had any problems with it keeping it' s zero and I have put probably about 1500 rds through them and will be under a $100. Although it' s nice to have a nice quality scope on your gun, I say you don' t have to spend top dollar for a good performing scope.

how are the prices I found? they are from www.theopticzone.com, also i found a bushnell elite 3200 on ebay nib for 160? The only thing that keeps me from purchasing the bushnell is the 10' extra field of view on the Simmons Aetec. Any comments?

I would go with the Elite 3200. I have one now (2 3000 B&L prior to 3200), as well a 4200 now and they are pretty hard to beat for the price. I personally have had no problem with any and yes they do come with a lifetime warranty but I have yet to require it. I wouldn' t say they are the best scope I own but as mentioned in their price range, I find them pretty darn hard to beat.

As with everyone else, I would recommend the Elite 3200. The eye relief is a little short, but should not be a problem for you. The rainguard feature is great and well worth it.

Jon Jackoviak
The Optic Zone
www.theopticzone.com

I cannot comment on the Elite or the Aetec, but I have a Nikon Buckmaster scope that I' m satisfied with.

I have all three of the original scopes mentioned and the 3200 would be my first choice ,Its just a little clearer in my opinion and I love the rainguard feature .

hey guys, just to let you know i ended up buying the elite, i really appreciate the help!
-bob